NASCAR’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 is set to transform Sonoma County’s rolling hills into a high‑stakes battleground this weekend. The 1.99‑mile road course at Sonoma Raceway, with its steep elevation changes, tight turns and demanding braking zones, offers a stark contrast to the superspeedways that dominate the Cup schedule.
The Road Course Challenge
Drivers are drawn to the region’s vineyard‑strewn scenery as much as its racing challenges. Ross Chastain, who pilots the No. 1 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, has spoken about the agricultural charm of the area, while Shane van Gisbergen, the defending champion from New Zealand, enters as the clear favorite after his dominant victory last year. Connor Zilisch, the reigning O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, adds another layer of intrigue to the lineup.
The event is part of the Cup series’ In‑Season Challenge, a bracket‑style format that pits 32 drivers against one another in a single‑elimination showdown. Ty Gibbs secured the pole position, marking his first road‑course pole in the Cup Series, and will lead a field that includes Tyler Reddick, who tops the points standings with 716, and Denny Hamlin, sitting second with 708.
Adding a touch of local flavor, former baseball star Dusty Baker, former NBA forward Festus Ezeli and Giants legend Matt Cain are slated to take part in pre‑race ceremonies, underscoring the event’s community roots.
With the stage set, the focus will be on how the drivers adapt to the unique demands of Sonoma’s layout, where strategy and precision can outweigh raw speed.